Teenagers are less likely to drink if their parents show disapproval, new research reveals.

Study author Ms Jacqueline Bowden from the University of Adelaide, said: 'Parents have more influence on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol than they probably realise.

'Parental behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol really do make a difference and can help prevent children from drinking at an early age.'

Mr Lincoln Size, chief executive cancer council SA, who supported the study, added: 'This latest evidence highlights the need to educate young people about the consequences of alcohol consumption and for parents to demonstrate responsible drinking behaviour.

'We need to get the message through that what may be considered harmless fun actually has lifelong consequences.'

Teenagers are less likely to drink if their parents show disapproval, new research reveals

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Excessive drinking during adolescence thins areas of the developing brain, research revealed earlier this month.

Teenagers that binge or heavily drink have reduced brain tissue in the regions associated with reason, logic, problem solving, planning and memory, a study found.

Researchers believe drinking large quantities of alcohol while the brain is still maturing may permanently damage a person's nervous system and increase their risk of alcoholism.

Study author Professor Anita Cservenka from Oregon State University, said: 'Adolescence is a time when the brain still matures including not only biological development but also maturation of psychosocial behaviors.

'These brain alterations, as a result of heavy alcohol use during adolescence and young adulthood, could result in increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder later on in life.'

Key findings

Researchers from the University of Adelaide surveyed 2,885 students aged between 12 and 17.

Results revealed that teenagers are less likely to drink alcohol if their parents show disapproval.

Ms Bowden said: 'Parents have more influence on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol than they probably realise.

'Parental behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol really do make a difference, and can help prevent children from drinking at an early age.'

The findings also revealed that only 28 percent of teenagers are aware of the link between drinking and cancer.

They are also more likely to drink alcohol if they smoke or are seeking approval from friends.

Being able to afford alcohol or it being easily accessible to them also increases the risk.

The findings were published in the journal BMC Public Health.

How can parents help their children drink less?

The researchers advise parents discuss alcohol with their children and inform them that not everybody drinks.

Parents should also make sure they are aware of any upcoming parties their child is attending and talk to them about what sort of behaviour is expected.

Mr Size said: 'This latest evidence highlights the need to educate young people about the consequences of alcohol consumption and for parents to demonstrate responsible drinking behaviour.

'We need to get the message through that what may be considered harmless fun actually has lifelong consequences.

The researchers also recommend parents think twice before drinking in front of their children.

They should also organise teetotal events and not supply their children with alcohol.

Ms Bowden added: 'Many parents believe providing their children with alcohol in the safe environment of their home teaches them to drink responsibly.

'However, the weight of evidence suggests that this increases consumption, and is not recommended.'